The Lake County Historical Society is dedicated to preserving, studying, and interpreting the county’s past. They maintain various artifacts, documents, photographs, and historic sites in the Two Harbors area.

One of the landmarks the historic society maintains is the 3-M Birthplace museum. The building shows items of historical significance from the Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing company circa 1898. Another famous site they preserve is the two harbors lighthouse. It was built back in 1892, and after a century, was remodeled as a bed and breakfast in 1999.

After this winter’s cold snap in December, both of these buildings are in need of immediate repairs. First the boilers failed in both buildings, then the pipes froze, finally came the flooding. Ellen Lynch, the Executive Director of Lake County’s Historical Society, says it will take a community effort to preserve these two historic buildings.

“We were able to start removing the carpeting and the drywall that was affected by the water. As we were getting ready to complete repairs, the boiler at the historic Keepers’ Quarters, which also houses the lighthouse bed and breakfast, failed. That froze water into the historic radiators and required our immediate attention.”

On the bright side, none of the artifacts in the lighthouse or museum were damaged from the flooding. Lynch says the water damage, however, has impacted the structural integrity of those buildings and requires significant renovations.

“We were fortunate enough that the majority of the damage will be covered by insurance. We are looking at $40,000 to fundraise so that we can reopen for those businesses and reopen the bed and breakfast for people to really experience the town in spirit of Two Harbors.”

The Lake County Historical Society is a private non-profit organization. This means they have a shorter pool of state grants available for these specific repairs. Lynch says for every dollar donated it goes directly to ensuring the history of two harbors continues.

“Since last week, we’ve raised about $1,000 and we’re really reaching beyond the small community of two harbors to everyone at large, because it’s really important to preserve these historic landmarks, because they’ve been icons of our community.”

If you don’t feel comfortable making a donation, Lynch says consider becoming a member, and attend one of their programs. Stop by the Depot Museum to learn a little bit more about the history. For more information about the non-profit you can go to LakeCountyHistoricalSociety.org.